Circuit Check, a global provider of test, automation and interfacing solutions for electronics and electro-mechanical device manufacturers, has opted for a change in its ERP system with the aim of obtaining measurable cost and efficiency gains from process improvements.

Minneapolis-based Circuit Check has selected IFS Application in response to a fundamental evolution in its business as the rapid growth of its engineered services division triggers a sharp shift toward more project-centric activity.

CFO Brad Martin explains the move: “Implementing IFS Applications will help streamline our project and revenue lifecycle and pave the way for further growth.” He says customers will benefit from more consistent administrative processes across the company’s various divisions, paving the way for considerably smoother collaboration on both the design and delivery of equipment.

Martin says Circuit Check is expecting bottom-line gains of at least $250,000 a year as a result of better identification of resource constraints and a reduced need for daily production meetings – not to mention by eliminating the down time resulting from the frequent crashes of the company’s current legacy ERP system.

A number of other benefits from a system more closely tailored to Circuit Check’s business come in the package, such as automated billing processes that will enable it to invoice customers efficiently with project milestones, the streamlining of engineer-to-order processes through embedded project management, production scheduling, project accounting and 3D CAD, as well as multi-currency and multi-language capabilities intended to support the group’s global operations.

“Global engineer-to-order manufacturers like Circuit Check need ERP to manage the interconnected tasks and processes associated with a complex project, but also to capture accurately and bill for earned value as the project progresses,” says Mike Lorbiecki, IFS vice-president of sales for North America.

He adds that “IFS Applications is the solution of choice for companies that serve demanding sectors like automotive, medical, industrial, telecommunications, consumer and aerospace.”

Key Takeaways:

• Testing equipment provider Circuit Check says it has selected IFS Applications because of a shift to more project-based activity.

• It expects process improvements from the new system to yield bottom-line gains through better management of resources, reduced meeting requirements and elimination of system crashes.

• Circuit Check sees benefits in automation of billing processes that will enable it to invoice and receive payment faster for incremental project milestones.